A Career as a Sign Language Interpreter
Try Your Hands at Manual Communications
The field of disability intervention is a growing opportunity for individuals with disabilities as well as for others seeking rewarding careers. The field of sign language interpreting for the Deaf is an especially exciting and challenging arena with numerous job opportunities. Many college students are also now able to take American Sign Language in fulfillment of their foreign language requirement for a Bachelor's Degree.
Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, Deaf people have begun to assert themselves regarding their legal rights to interpreters and communication access. Deaf people are realizing their creative, educational, and professional potential. The demand for qualified sign language interpreters has risen dramatically over the last 10 years in the business world, the creative and performing arts, computer and telecommunications industries, and especially in the realm of education.
Not only do sign language interpreters accompany Deaf individuals throughout the community to courts, medical appointments, banks, job interviews, and theaters, they also interpret for Deaf students in educational settings. The bulk of educational interpreting is done in the public school systems with Deaf children who are mainstreamed into regular classrooms. Another large portion of educational interpreting is done in colleges, universities, or technical schools.
Many states require that all sign language interpreters have certification from either the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or the National Association of the Deaf. Others require that sign language interpreters have an Associate's Degree from an approved interpreter-training program. In terms of educational interpreting, the state of Ohio Department of Education currently requires an Associate's Degree from one these approved programs. In terms of community-based interpreting, the state of Ohio does not have legislation regarding interpreter qualification, but most Deaf people prefer to have a certified interpreter.
Interpreters working in the educational realm generally earn between $10- $15 per hour, and some have insurance benefits provided by the school system. Interpreters working in community-based settings usually earn between $15-$20 per hour, but many are self-employed and are, therefore, responsible for obtaining their own health and liability insurance.
Check out American Sign Language. You might be surprised at how expressive your hands can be.
Editorial provided by Paula J. Hraban, Professor, Manual Communication Program at Sinclair Community College.
